As reported by L’Équipe, the Arnault family and Red Bull are set to takeover Ligue 2 table-toppers Paris FC. It is a takeover which, given the wealth at the disposal of the two would-be owners, would not only change the face of football in Paris, but in France too.
For a variety of reasons, there are very few same-city rivalries in Ligue 1. As things stand, the closest geographical rivalry in France’s top flight is between OGC Nice and AS Monaco, who are separated by around 20km. However, that could be about to change.
Paris FC invested heavily in the summer and that investment has reaped rewards on the pitch with the club currently top of Ligue 2. However, should the expected investment arrive, via Arnault and Red Bull, they can set their sights much higher than simply staving off relegation.
LFP also welcome Paris FC takeover
The hope, it seems, will be for Paris FC to challenge at the top, and perhaps even challenge the hegemony that Paris Saint-Germain have asserted on the domestic scene in recent years. PSG’s president, Nasser Al-Khelaifi, has welcomed the potential competition.
“It is great news,” began the entourage of Al-Khelaifi, who has a good relationship with Arnault, in an interview with RMC Sport. “It is fantastic for Paris, fantastic for French football. It will bring some competition and healthy competition at the top level in the capital.” RMC Sport added that the LFP are also happy about Paris FC’s touted takeover.
GFFN | Luke Entwistle
